PS 3513 
.1278 
C8 
1911 
Copy 1 



JPID'S TRICK 



% Balcntine ^laplet 



BY 



PRESTON GIBSON 



Copyright, 191 i, by Preston Gibson 



\ 



New York 
SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

28-30 WEST 38TH STREET 



London 
SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 
26 Southampton Street 
STRAND 



/ 



CUPID'S TRICK. 

A VALEXTIXE PLAYLET 
BY 

PRESTON GIBSON. 

Produced at the Play Ilouse^ February 13^ 1911. 

Cast of Cbaractcrs. 

Sir Robert Wyndham Mr. Frederick Webber 

Earl of Chester Mr. John J. Kennedy 

Lleutenant Jack Favarsiiam Mr. Fred Eric 

Leading man with Miss Maud x\dams 
Helen Wyndham Miss Charlotte Walker 

Owing to sudden illness, Miss Walker is unable to 
be present. Miss Hicks has kindly consented to play 
the part. 

/ Barrett Mr. Wendell Thompson 

Produced under the stage direction of Mr, Preston 
Gibson. ^ : 

Place. — Farnsborough, Surrey, England. 

Scene. — Hall in Sir Charles Harcourt's Shooting 
Lodge. 

Time.— 1800. St. Valentine's Day. 
©CID 24389 



CUPID'S TRICK 



r 



\f) Place. — Farnhorough, Surrey, England. 

Scene. — The main living hall in Charles Har court's 
^ castle. Leased by Sir Robert Wyndham. 



Time. — September, 1800. Nine p. m. 
Lights. — Full up — am ber. 



^ {It is a huge room, having four entrances, R. 2 e., 

^"^ practicable, leading to dining room; l. 3 e., 

practicable, leading to library ; c. d., practicable, 
^ two nmidows, not practicable, one R. of c. D., the 

^ other to L. of c. D. Iron bars can be seen 

through these windows, c. d., is a massive door 
with a great brass knob, and is the front and 
main entrance to the house. The ceiling and 
furniture are of blach oak. All the furnishings 
of tlie room are red, including curtains, rugs 
and cushions. There is a large oaJc table to R. 
of R. B E., with chairs at either side and a mantel 
and fireplace at r. 2 e.^ in wliich a half dying fire 
is smouldering. Fine etchings, beautiful vases 
and rare booJcs abound. There are two lighted 
single candlesticks at either end of mantel and 
two on atable near l. 2 e. ^ tall old-fashioned 
clock stands at p. of c. d., the hands pointing to 
nine o'clock. The ivhole room has an air of re- 
finement, luxury and good taste. 

CURTAIN RISES. 

{Discovered at rise, Sir Robert Wyndham. He is 
a small nervous man of sixty years of age, with 
3 



4 CUPID'S TRICK. 

grey liair and a small grey mustache. Keen 
little ferret-like eyes and a low forehead. He 
has rather a piping voice, and a shrill unpleas- 
ant laugh. He is avaricious, grasping, and would 
sell his soul for 'money. He is dressed in a coat 
of dark material, hlack knee hreeches, waistcoat, 
and hlacJc silk stockings. He is smoking a pipe 
and is seated in chair at l. of large carved table 
near r. 2 e., on which are streivn a great nnm- 
her of papers and a hoj of tohacco. He is at work 
arranging them and adding up a sum of figures 
on a sheet of paper. He appears much worried 
over his accounts. He rings a hell on the table. 
Enter Barrett, r 2 e., dressed in gray coat, 
knee breeches, black stockings, black facings. 
Sir Robert does not notice him.) 

Barrett. Did yon ring, sir? 

Egbert, {rummaging through papers) Eini?! 
Eing! Of conrse I did. Any news from Lord 
Chester ? 

Barrett. I thought I heard a carriage on the 
drive just now, sir. (there is a pause, Barrett look- 
ing (7/ Sir Egbert) 

Egbert, {turning on him sharply) Well, block- 
head, don't stand there staring at me — go and see 
who it is. 

Barrett, {confused) Yes, sir (Goes up r. 

and exits rapidly c. d.) 

(Sir Egbert turns to his papers again. The hands 
of the clock are at 9.05. A carriage is heard to 
drive up near c. d. The door c. d. is thrown 
open by Barrett, and the Earl gf Chester 
enters c. d. He is very erect, rather handsome, 
grey hair, and clean shaven, with sharp black 
eyes, rather unprincipled, though more of a fol- 
lower than a leader. He is dressed in traveling 
costume, coat and knee breeches of light ma- 
terial, brown stockings and a brown three cor- 



CUPID'S TRICK. 15 

nered hat. About fifty- five years of age. He is 
followed hy Barrett. He crosses over r. The 
Earl comes down c. and Sir Robert puts down 
pipe on iahle, rises slowly and greets him with 
a hasty handshal'e) 

Chester, (comes down c. and slaps him on the 
had') Well, well, Eobcrt, how are 3^011? 

Egbert, (not rising) Glad to 'see you, Chester, 
glad to see you. 

CiTESTER. You don't appear to be. 

Robert. Excuse me, Chester, excuse me. I was 
thinking 

Chester. Don't mind me, I shall make myself 
at home (Throws off his cloah to Barrett. Exit 
Barrett r. 2.) 

Robert Of course, of course 

Chester, (feeling his shoulder) You know it 
is very damp, I am all over dew. 

Robert. Like my bills. 

Chester. Tradesmen don't respect you half as 
much if you pay them promptly. 

Robert. They must hold me then in very high 
regard. 

Chester. Well, you seem to be at home, Robert, 
quickly settled, let me see, how long have you been 
here? 

Robert. Two weeks, Harcourt left everything 
just as it was. He knew I'd be a good tenant. 

Chester. And pray, how long do you expect to 
remain ? 

Robert, (testily) I don't know. Have a good 
trip? 

Chester. Fair. 

Robert. Hungry ? 
■ Chester, (sits at r. of table) Yes, and thirsty. 

Robert, (rings bell on table) See anyone you 
knew on the way? 

Chester. No. 



CUPID'S TRICK. 



1 



(Enter Barrett, r. 2 e.) 

Robert. Some supper for the Earl, {to Ches- 
ter) Port? 

Chester, Yes. Thank you. 

Robert, (to Barrett) Port, the best. 

(E:rit Barrett, b. 2 e.) 

Chester. Well, Robert, you look worried. 
(glancing at papers on table) In trouble? 

Robert, (hastily) Yes, yes, I am, T am. But 
I l)e1ieve I see a cure, a cure, Chester. (Talces up 
pipe and lights it) 

(Enter Barrett with tray and glasses.) 

Chester, (laughing) A specific, eh? Per- 
chance you may let me prescribe for you ? 

Robert. I believe you will be able to help me, 
though the prescription is my own. 

Chester. Oh ! 

(Barrett crosses over r. and passes trai/ to Chester 
who tal-es a glass. Robert leaves it aside in had 
hnmor. Chester notices this. Barrett exits. 

Chester. I haven't taster! Port as good as this 
for a century. 

Robert. You won't again in this century, that 
is the last bottle. 

Chester, (looking over his glass) Feel badly? 

Robert, (nervously) Worried, Chester, worried. 

Chester, (tapping glass) A little of this might 
make you feel better. 

Robert, (waving this idea aside with his hand) 
No, business first, Chester. 

Chester, (raising his glass) Well, success to 
your undertaking, whatever it may be. (Pause. 
Drinh) ITow in the name of Heaven did you happen 
to lease this place? 

Robert. It was necessary. 

Chester. Why did you send for me? 



CUPID'S TRICK. 7 

Robert, (blows out smoke nervously) I'll tell 
you why I am here instead of in London and why I 
sent for yon. 

Chester. (drinJcs and puts down glass) Po, I 
am all attention. 

Robert, {rises, goes to n.) I came because I 
had to. {Pids down pipe qnicl'ly) 

Chester. What do you. mean? 

Robert, (loohing ahont room to see that no one 
is within hearing, then leaning across the table) I 
am ruined Chester, utterly ruined. 

Chester, (rises, astonished) My God ! You 
don't mean it. 

Robert, (hastily) Yes! Yes! I was caught in 
the panic. I borrowed, mortgaged my estate and 
managed pretty well for a time, but when the second 
crash came it left me homeless, penniless. No one 
knows this but you, Chester — No one but you. 
(excitedly) But I am not the man to sink under 
adversity. I shall gain it all back, and more, more. 
(his eyes sparkle, he rnbs his hands together) I am 
determined to be a power, a money power, (excit- 
edly) But, I must have money. Money makes 
money. Chester I must have it. I must have it. 
(sinks in chair) 

Chester, (at c.) What — Would that I might 
help you, but my affairs are in little better conditon 
than yours. 

Robert, (not pleased) Too bad, too bad. 

Chester. Egad, man, what are you doing here ? 

Robert. Listen, Chester. 

Chester, (in the dark) Well? 

Robert. I have a plan, I want your co-operation. 
I need your aid, and if it turns out well, you will not 
be the looser. 

Chester, (perplexed) How can I be of assis- 
tance ? 

Robert. Wait, I'll tell you. 

Chester. Go on. 



8 CUPID'S TRICK. 
Robert. Helen 



1 



Chester, (surprised) Your daughter? 

Robert, (liastilj/) Yes, Helen, is the key to tlie 
situation. It is on her account I came here and sent 
for you. 

Chester. You speak in riddles. 

Robert, (excifedlij) Helen must marry imme- 
diately — marry a rich man 

Chester, (nf c.) Rich man? That's a s^ood idea. 
(pause) A capital idea — if the rich man likes it. 
Have you anyone in view? 

Robert. Yes, Lieutenant Oshorne. (risrs) T 
hrought her here, hoping to arrange a match with 
him, Osborne, he's living here now. 

Chester. Well ? 

Robert. His father died a short tl^^ie ago and 
left him vast estates. He is the wealthiest young 
man in Surrey — a fine catch. 

Chester. Indeed ? 

Robert. I, sent for you to help me bring this 
about. Helen is very fond of vou and you can exert 
your influence in the right direction. 

Chester. It will be a pleasure, Robert. Wliat 
kind of a fellow is he? 

Robert, (hofh ate.) I don't know, but that 
makes no difl'erence. I am not going to marry him. 

CiFESTER. Have you ever seen him? 

Robert. No, but I hear he is young and hand- 
some. Will 3^ou help me? 

Chester. By all means. 

Robert, (up c.) Good! Good! (his eyes glist- 
ening) Now to business. General Forcythe is going 
to bring young Lieutenant Osborne to call on us 
to-morrow when Helen will meet him for the first 
time, after he goes see to it that you sing his praises. 

Chester. I shall do all I can to help that matter 
along. Of course we can tell better how the land 
lies after she meets him and we know whether her 
first impressions are good or bad. 



CUPID'S TRICK. 9 

Egbert. They are not likely to be good as I have 
never succeeded in getting that young jack-a-knapes 
Lieutenant. Favarsham out of her head. 

Chester, (down r. to sofa) By King George, 
Jack Favarsham was attractive, so she ptill thinks of 
him ? (sits on sofa) 

Robert. He was so constantly in her mind that 
T had to finally forbid her mentioning his name. 
These worthless fellows have a way with women. 

(Barrett enters R. 1, exits c.) 

Chester. Did you allow him to come to your 
house in town ? 

Robert, (down c.) I should say not, but I am 
quite sure she met the fellow in the Park, at least 
so I was informed. You know I have never even 
so much as seen Favarsham. 

Chester. Really? You have never seen him. 
Well, he is very good to look at. 

Robert. That mav be Chester, but he was poor, 
lamentably poor. 

Chester. He is going to inherit money from 
Mrs. Favarsham, an old aunt who lives at Aldershot. 

Robert. Near here? 

Chester. Just a few^ miles, this old lady has 
an immense fortune and she gives her nephew noth- 
ing, I understand at her death he succeeds to all 
her wealth. 

Robert. K Helen speaks to you of this worthless 
Favarsham tell her she must not think of the fel- 
low, you know what to say to her? 

(Enter Barrett c. ivith a note and Chester's port- 
manteau. ) 

Chester. Trust me Robert. 

Barrett. Pardon me sir, I found this on the 
door step after Lord Chester arrived. I thought he 
might have lost it, sir. 



10 CUPID'S TRICK. 

(Sir Robert takes envelop and hands it to Earl 
Chester who looks at it. Exit Barrett r. 2 e.) 

Chester, (rise, opens envelop, takes out note and 
after reading it, exclaims) A love note! (Hands it 
to Sir Robert) 

Robert, {reading it over) Zounds ! Who could 
have lost this? 

Chester, (smiling) Helen? 

Robert, (greatly disturbed) It isn't prohable. 

Chester. Perhaps yon haven't kept yonr eyes 
sufficiently open, (pointing at note) Read it a^^^ain. 

Robert, (reading near table) Will be at your 
front door at ten to-night. One word, one glimpse 
will repay me. If by any ill luck I should run into 
your father. I will say I am a stranger and have come 
to him for aid. Signed Lieutenant, (laughs shrilly) 

Chester, (glancing hurriedly at clock. The 
hands are at 9.20) It's nine-twenty now. Ten did 
he say? 

Robert. Yes. (repeating half to himself) 
Lieutenant! Lieutenant! Gad. (slaps table) 
Lieutenant Osborne perchance. 'Tis signed Lieu- 
tenant 

Chester. Who knows? He may have seen her 
and is smitten already. 

Robert, (excited) If it were so. Gad! What 
luck it would be. 

Chester. Where is the lassie? 

Robert. I haven't seen her since dinner. Come, 
your supper will be cold, (leads way out r.) I'll 
see what she has to say to the note. Come, come. 

Chester. Very well, Sir Robert. 

(Exeunt Robert and Chester r. 2. Enter Helen 
L. 3 E. Helen is a tall extremely pretty girl 
of eighteen years, with large dark eyes, a mass 
of brown hair and a good figure. She is dressed 
in becoming costume and has a great deal of 



CUPID'S TRICK. 11 

style. She comes in hurriedly, is apparently 
much worried, crosses over r. and searches tlie 
floor with her eyes, looking for something she 
has lost. Not seeing it she goes up r. to c. d, 
a?id opens the door, steps out on the door step 
and lools about on the ground. The full moon 
can he seen through the open door. Enter Sir 
Robert r. 2 e. He holds the note in his right 
hand behind his bach. Helen steps within the 
room at this instant and quickly pulls the door 
too. He turns and sees her. She is confused. 
His tone is severe. 

Robert, (at r. c. sternly) Come here. 

(Helen comes down c. towards him, rather fright- 
ened.) 

Robert, (glancing quickly at her and handing 
tier tlie cnwipled piece of paper. Pointing to note) 
Explain? 

Helen, (glances at it and starts as she recognizes 
the writing) Oh ! 

Robert, (in a nasty tone) Familiar, eh? 

Helen. (confused) Yes — I — have — seen — the 
writing — before. 

Robert, (fuming) Zonnds. So you've been 
having a secret correspondence with the fellow. A 
pretty pass for my daughter to come to and with a 
Lieutenant. Could you get no one of high rank to 
intrigue with you ? 

Helen. You judge me too quickly. 

Robert. Am I blind? Can I not read? (point- 
ing to note) Were I deaf and it (pointing to note) 
were read to me it would affect a cure. Read? 
Read aloud, that I may test my senses. 

Helen, (pleading) Father! 

Robert, (severely) Read! 

Helen, (reads) I will be at your front door at 



12 CUPID'S TRICK. 

ten to-night. One word, one glimpse will repay me. 
If by any ill luck I should run into your father I 
will say I am a stranger and have come to him for 
aid, Lieutenant. 

Robert. (shriUi/) It is clear, my dau.<^hter? 

Helex. ( quietly) Very. 

Robert. Who is the fellow and how came you to 
know him ? 

Helex. {against table. Ojf-handecUy) 1 have 
met him riding, driving, and walking — in short, 
wherever I go I see him. 

Robert, (hotly) Impudent rascal. 

Helex. He has written me several notes. I 
have never answered any of them. Coming out of 
church this afternoon he put this {pointing to note) 
into my hand. 

Robert, {sarcastically) Love at first sight, eh? 
What's his name? 

Helex. He signed himself Harry Osborne once. 

Robert, {surprised) Harry Osborne? {de- 
lighted) Then it is Lieutenant Osborne. 

Helex. I suppose so. 

Robert, {his tone immediately changing to her 
surprise) He is a very estimable young man. You 
could not have chosen a more gallant gentleman to 
flirt with. Do you love him? 

Helex. {laughing) Love him? No! I loved 
one man, but you 

Robert, {angrily) Do you refer to that penni- 
less rascal, Jack Favarsham ? 

Helex. {her eyes sparMing, her face beaming) 
Yes. I really loved him. I love him now. 

Robert, {snapping his fingers) Pooh. 

Helex. {turns and speaks, standing up for him) 
You've never seen Jack? 

Robert, {sharply) I have no desire to. {re- 
turning quickly to the point) Is not Osborne hand- 
some? 

Helen. Have you eyer seen him ? 



CUPID'S TRICK. 13 

Robert. Never. 

Helen. He is medium, where Jack is tall. I 
like him. {ivith tossof^ier head) But I adore Jack. 

Robert, (up and down c.) 'Get the penniless 
rascal but of iy:Our-h<?ad, c^ild, for I have decided on 
a husband for you. ; !■ ' '' • ; "^': 

Helen, (agaidst sofa, astonished)' '''Hw^bsind ior 
me? {liorrified) Marry?, (^aspm^)'' Father^, r; . 

Robert, (from^.up c, sharply) • I'ha'Me selected' 
a man for you. ' '' . ^'-t Jj 

Helen, (on her dignity) WhOpfray? i . 

ilOBBRST.' x{doivn . to .her, speak, 'k^ l. Of'Hnble) 
Ycfttr lirderlt aidmirer,, Lieutenant Os'bortie. >; : ; - 

Helen. Lieutenant Osborne? .> -» 

■■•RoBlERT. Yes,. , ' '^'^ .^;i;'r,vo;j 

Helen, (at c.) I thought you said yow^had 
never seen him. ' . '' ' ' >-.(...; 

Robert, (ate.) Oh! Ahem!' True! But L do 
not have to see a man to know all about him, i 
knew his father. Osborne is a fi'ne felTow. /' .i/,^ 

Helen, (com-e^ ..nearer him.) I dare say-r^but I 
d<!)* not^ilove him^»', "' (■-,. '' •'"• ^f r/sK 

Robert. (testi-y\'. ^v chiM, th^^ makes no i dif- 
ference?.' Lave, is, a poor thing" atb6st.''iWe'can g^t 
along without lipve, but moiiey is a * necessity); » ^ ( 
■ Helen. iV'( perplexed)', Mori^y? 0¥! j- Father, 
you wouldn't have me marry a matft I dorft love? 

Robert. Why not?' Gad, if ydu don't >LoVe him 
ail d' lies 'tuini'a.oul; badly then you 'have no: sD^rrow, 
but if y©u do love.. him and he'« a' bad .Mdt< breaks 
your heart. ' ' "" ^^' ^ -> if ,,„, 

Helen, (crosses^her arm^fiffnify'^ I 'diD not. love 
Lieutenant Osborne and I won't iriai'ry Mm.! 

Robert, (astounded) Can I believe my ears. 
Won't marry him, say»yqu?' l'03d's Mf^. >i Girl, have 
you lost your reason? (angrily) Have I devoted 
those last eighteen years since ybur^ motherly died to 
you, our only daughter and nOwyoti tlii-n >on jme? 
Is this your gra^titudje? 



14 CUPID'S TRICK. 

Helen, {soothingly) I simply can't marry a 
man I don't love. Oh ! Think what you ask ! 

Robert, (shttrply) I ask no moje than is my 
due. We are heavily in debt 

Helen, (half screaming) I see ! I see ! Money! 
Debt ! (up to mantel) 

RonERT. Well ? 

Helen, (at mantel at r. c. In a far away tone) 
So you propose to sell me to pay your debts, sell me ? 

Robert. Eh ! 

Helen, (horrified) I see now. Why you 
whisked me off before Jack and I could — Lieuten- 
ant Osborne is rich — (her twice hreahing) I see, 
I see. 

Robert. We are in debt, but that 12 not, the 
reason. 

Helen. If Jack were only rich. 

Robert, (sharply) Gad! Child. Favarsham's 
mari;ied ere this, (sneeringly) 

Helen, (at c. Her pride touched) He is not 
married, sir. He loved me too well. 

Robert, (quickly) Enough of him — roving ad- 
venturer, (glancing at clock) Your future husband. 

Helen, (at c, surprised) Future husband ? 

Robert, (at l. near table, sternly) He will be 
here, if he is on time, in thirty minutes. Go and 
prepare to meet him. 

Helen, (pleadingly) Father! 

Robert, (sharply) You are acquainted with our 
circumstances. Will you be a prop to your father in 
his old age, or will you leave him, weighted down 
by debts and oppressed by creditors to die alone. 
(sits at R. of table) 

(Earl of Chester enters r. 2.) 

Helen, (sees him, her face lights up, and she 
crosses hastily over r. near him. Enthusiastically 
shaking his hand) Oh, Lord Chester, I'm so glad, 



CUPID'S TRICK. 15 

so glad to see you. Father said you were coming to 
pay us a yisit. 

Chester, (shaking her hand warmly) Helen, I 
am glad to see you. 

Helen, {distracted going close to and looking up 
at him) Won't you advise me — I am in great 
trouble? I don't know what to do — which way to 
turn. 

CiiESTErt. What is it all about? 

Helen. Father 

KoBERT. (coldly) I've selected a man whom I 
wish her to marry and she rebels. What say you? 

Helen, (clinging to a last hope) Tell me what 
to do. I don't love this man. (pleadingly) What 
would you advise. 

Chester, (exchanging glances with Sir Robert) 
It is always best in the long run to obey your father, 
ray dear. He knows best. Though at first it may 
not seem so to you, in the end you will find that he 
was right. 

Helen, (lier voice broken) You were my last 
prop, and now that has been taken away, (collect- 
ing herself. Crosses over to Robert) I will see him 
but I do not promise anything. You shall have my 
answer to-night. 

(Exit Helen l. 3.) 

Robert. Now for my plan, Chester. 

Chester. What are you going to do? 

Robert. I am going to have Barrett remove the 
knob from the door on the inside. Fix the lock so 
that it will catch. 

Chester. Why ? 

Robert. When Osborne comes he will find all 
lights out, doubtless try the door, it will open, he will 
come in, and it will close on him. He will not be 
able to get out then I shall appear, demand to know 
what he is doing in my house and insist that he 



16 CUPID'S TRICK. 

marry my daughter, so you se^ .Ch'^ster I have him, 

I have him 

Chester. It is a splendid idea. It can't fail. 

{rings hell on table) 
Robert. We will soon be out of debt 
Chester. What a load will be lifted from my 

mind and from the minds of my creditors. 

{Enter Barrett r. 2.), 

Robert. Barrett remove the handle and the knob 
from the door on tbji^ side and fix the, lock so it .will 
catch, {points to c. d.) Put out lights in this room. 

Barrett.-. -Very .gop^, sir. ;, ; 

. , ' ' ' :;\Exit' Barrett r. 2,) ' 

Robert.,,, (takes up candelabra), Come up tp, the 
sitting room, Chester,-^!'!! tell yOu more of Tmy, plan, 

Chester.. Qad, I see what you're driving ,a^-, al- 
ready. .{they^xeuntt.Z. '^nfer* Barrett r. 2,. l/e 
has a screwdriver. "He ^oip.s' up D." d. imme^iateli) 
goes to work, and in a few moments he has rejnovfd 
the knob from the door and hblds it up to hi^ hanfi,^) 

Barrett,. )Vhat's up, I wonder? The.goyei^or 
must be losing his mind? I 'ate to think ^ yet. 
Why should 'e come to this ' blooming, place— oi^ly 
for a few weeks says 'e. Now, 'e wants the knob 
taken off the door I'll bet sixpence 'o'll 'ave the roof 
taken off the 'ouse to-morrow, {laughs) 

(Barrett takes up can,dtelapra,^ crosses over r. Exits 
R. 2 E. Lights out. A moment elapses. There 
is a genth^'knQfik at,Q, J),.^, an interval, another 
knock /^thei% the rC?^.or.,c. p. .ppens and Jack 
Favarsham puts his head through the door. 
He is an extremely handsome young fellow 
and most attractive in appearance. Clean 
shaven, age 26, dressed in^ buckskin breeches, 
/ red ' waist coat, ]l^lack boots, " light brown 
,,Coat, h-lack tie, ruffle^, cravat, and -carried 
lender- his left. \arrr\^ a hlaQk ^three cornered hat 



CUPID'S TRICK. 17 

edged unfh ostrich doivn and in his hand a rid- 
ing luJiip. He is of the dare-devil type of young 
gallant of the period. Seeing no one present lie 
pushes the door inivard and enters, removing 
his hand from the door. On the instant it 
swings too and the loch is heard to catch. Jack 
startled and surprised^ turns and reaches for the 
l-?ioh to open the door. Not finding atiy he runs 
his hands quicMy over the door, hut can find 
nothing to catch hold of. He puts his ichip in 
his hoot, draws his sivord and tries to pry it 
open, hut to no avail, rushes to tvindoiv. 
Exclaims " Barred." Goes to c. d. He turns, 
puts his hade to the door, and holes about him. 
Conies forward rather cautiously, trying to dis- 
tinguish in the darkness the nature of his sur- 
roundings. He has not long to tvait, for in an- 
other moment a light appears at l. 3 e. and Sir 
Robert Wyndham enters l. c, holding a mas- 
sive silver candelabra in his hand. Lights up, 
amber. The young men stands near c. d. with 
drawn sword and watches him. Sir Robert 
glancing out of the corner of his eyes, sees Jack 
and crosses over r. to the mantel. He puts the 
candelabra upon the mantel, then turning and 
smiling towards Jack, he says, very graciously.) 

Robert. You are welcome, sir. (glances at clocle 
Jhe hands are at 9.40) Though a trifle ahead of 
time. Pray, throw aside your cloak, draw up a chair 
and try some of my boasted tobacco, (pushes to- 
ivard him a box of tobacco. Jack politely shakes his 
head) 

Jack, (letting his sword drop into its scabbard 
and bowing, crosses over r.) "Ahead of time? I 
don't quite understand. Pardon me, sir, I am a 
stranger. (Sir Robert laughs) My horse got the 
better of me at your gate and left me unhurt, though 
dusty by the roadside, so I ventured upon your 



18 CUPID'S TRICK. 

hospitality to direct me to the nearest inn for the 
nio^ht. 

Robert, (half to himself) If I meet your father. 
I will say I am a stranger in need of aid. (sits at l. 
of table) 

Jack. Eh ? 

Robert. I was thinking which place would be the 
best for you, but on second thought, why don't you 
let this house be your inn? 

Jack, (going up towards c. d.) I would that I 
might, sir, and I thank you but I must be on my 
way early in the morning, (as he reaches door) 
Will you be good enough to instruct me how to open 
your door, I fear the task is too complicated for me 
alone. 

Robert, (smiling) Sit down my boy — there is 
no need of haste, (sits at l. of tahle near r. 2 e. 
Tahes up his pipe and lights it) Rings bell. 

Jack, (near c. d., firmly) I must be on my way, 
sir. 

Robert, (annoyed, blowing smol-e about) Fie! 
Be seated — I know your errand, knave. 

(Enter Barrett r. 1 tvith light. Puts candelabra 
doiun, lights up full. Exit Barrett r. 1.) 

Jack, (surprised) Errand? (laughs) Of 
course you do — I've told you. (Sir Robert laughs 
a shrill laugh. Jack comes down c. not pleased) 
Sir, you appear to doubt me. (firmly) Open the 
door, sir. 

Robert, (rises at c, coolly) Calm yourself, 
calm yourself, my boy. I am not wrath with you. 
Gad, I intend that you shall see her, aye marry her. 

Jack, (overcome) See her? Marry her? Are 
you mad, sir? (Sir Robert lights his pipe. Grow- 
ing excited) Why am I prevented from leaving this 
house. What devil's curse is on that door that ii i^:: 
divested of its proper use? Are you highwayman? 



CUPID'S TRICK. 19 

Or madmen? (drawing his sword, going up c, 
flourishing it) Open the door, sir, or damn me if I 
won't break it down. 

Robert, (coolly) Put up your sword, sir. To 
answer your flood of questions my head must be of 
such proportions as Ferrau's one of brass, (pnffs his 
pipe) 

Jack, (disarmed for the moment hy Sir Rob- 
ert's coolness) Think you to keep me prisoner? 

Robert, (amused) I shall not try your patience 
long. She will be here within a few minutes to greet 
you. 

Jack, (perplexed) She? She? I repeat, sir, 
there is some dreadful mistake. 

Robert, (angrily, putting his pipe on table) 
Let me be a judge of that, sir. Gad, where are your 
eyes? Can you not see I favor your suit? (down to 
fuhle) 

Jack. She? Suit? (laughs) That's good. 
(taps forehead) It's a madhouse. He is crazy. 
She ? Of course, I understand, yes, I will marry her. 

Robert, (advances toward him) You will, my 
boy, you will? 

Jack, (baching away from him) Yes, I will do 
anything if you will only let me out, who are you, 
sir, some king, no doubt, (tapping liis forehead) 

Robert, (mahing fun) Who else, do I resemble 
but George the Fourth. 

Jack. I suppose you have a great many kings 
and queens here. 

Robert. We are overrun with them, sir, but I 
know only one lady interests you and I favor your 
suit. 

Jack. Thanks, thanks, I am glad you favor me. 
(looJcs about for means of escape) I should like to 
see your majesty's garden, (starts up) 

Robert. Wait till you see her. Oh, you young 
rascal I knew you were lying. I saw the note yoil 
wrote to my daughter. 



20 CUPID'S TRICK. 

Jack, (towards him) Indeed, did you? {look- 
ing for means of escape) 

Robert. Aye ! But I am not easily deceived. 

(.4 rustle of shirts is heard. Enter Helen l. 3 e. 
She is dressed in a simple dress with her hair 
pompadour ed, waved and caught in a large knot 
at the necn. Sir Robert crosses over l. to meet 
his daughter. She looks up at him pleadinghj. 
Both near l. 3 e.) 

Helen. Is it true that you've said, father, ahout 
your debts? 

Robert. Yes, my dear, {he offers his liajid and 
points to Jack, hut she passes him and crosses over 
R. towards Jack, who stands with his hack to her as 
he hears her) Lieutenant Osborne, my daughter. 
{goes to door) 

{As she turns she nears him, he hows, not raising 
his eyes. As he straightens himself she looks 
at him and he at her, their eyes meet, her cheeks 
hecome scarlet, then white, and scarlet again her 
hreast heaves, her eyes open wide, her hreath 
comes quickly. He gazes speechless, in wonder 
and love.) 

Helen, (exclaims) Jack! 

(He crushes her in his arms. Robert turns and 
comes fonvard. Enter Chester l. 3.) 

Robert. Eh? What's this? What's this, Jack? 
(advancing upon them) Jack? (threatening) Are 
you not Lieutenant Osborne, sir? 

Jack, (laughing with one arm ahout Helen) I 
am called Lieutenant John Favarsham — bv some, 
Jack. 

Robert, (advancing angrily upon him) Zounds! 
Villain! 

Jack, (holding her in his left arm and thrusting 



CUPID'S TRICK. 21 

his sword ivitli his right, close to him) You can have 
no reason to object to me now, sir. Aunt Favarsliam 
is dead. 

Robert, (his manner changing perceptihbf, 
lauglis shrill fj) Come, Chester, let's iinish tliat Port. 
Cupid's played a trick on me. 

Jack, (holds her at arm's length, taking her all 
in. She hhishes and looks down as he gazes at her 
in speechless admiration and delight. He draws her 
into his arms. Whispers ardently) "Helen"! 

Helen, (whispers) Jack! 

( The hands of the clock are at 9.50.) 
CURTAIN. 



JUN 3 1911 



I 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

Mi 

015 908 429 2 4^ 



